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West gate renovations to begin soon

Work will soon begin at the Highway 7 west gate fountain site. (Jeff Meek photo)

By JEFF MEEK

Senior reporter

It won’t be long now until those passing by and through Hot Springs Village’s Highway 7 west gate will notice work crews in action. The work will first include replacing the concrete foundation, electrical conduit and plumbing, then later a new concrete liner.

Just outside the north pond area will be a new pump station and concrete pad, which will require the removal of three pine trees currently in the way.

The Property Owners’ Association is teaming with Red Rock Concrete, located in Benton, as team leader on the project. Parts are arriving, including nozzles, lights and other necessities to complete the work.

David Davidian of Iron Man Fabricators is working on the actual tower structure, but has recently broken his ankle which has slowed his efforts. Davidian, located out of Fayetteville, Ark., built the Bell Tower at Garvan Woodland Gardens. Public works director Jason Temple said he is keeping up with progress of the work through photographs sent to him.

Currently the structure’s many pieces are being welded into place.

Crist Engineers, along with Mesa Landscaping, have created the overall design of the project.

Fountain People Inc. is assembling parts for the pump station and LED lighting. The new lighting can change color and reflect seasonal changes.

“It will be a complete 100-percent restoration,” said Temple of the project.

However, there will be one difference, the absence of the “DeSoto” conquistador head logo – that’s not going to be used.

“The ‘DeSoto’ head is not part of the Village’s new branding,” said Temple. The same lettering and font will be used, but no more DeSoto impression.

Temple is trying to get some of the work done in-house which reduces costs, but slows progress due to a shortage of available manpower. After the north pond work is complete, the lower north pond will also get a new liner.

Across the street the third west-gate pond will receive a new pump station, controls and concrete liner, if the money is available to do it all. The priority will be the pump station, Temple said. If money is available, new lighting will also be added.

The entire project was budgeted for at $400,000. Temple said $330,000 of that was for the north fountain, but he estimates the north pond part of the renovation will come in at approximately $300,000, hopefully leaving money to address the south pond.

Asked when the fountain/structure would be operational, Temple said mid-July.